Jatigede Reservoir Water Levels Recede, Exposing 260 Hectares of Land

Severe drought conditions have caused water levels at the Jatigede Reservoir in Sumedang, West Java, to recede significantly, exposing nearly 260 hectares of land that were previously submerged. Data from the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) indicates that the reservoir’s dry area expanded from 138.3 hectares in July to 260.01 hectares by September 2026, forcing the reappearance of old building ruins and former village sites.

Expansion of Exposed Land at Jatigede

The reduction in water volume has transformed large sections of the reservoir basin into open, arid ground. While 138.3 hectares of land were exposed in July, that figure grew to 252.3 hectares in August before reaching the 260.01-hectare mark in September.

This drop in water levels has exposed dried tree branches and the debris of houses that were submerged when the reservoir was originally filled. In some areas, the receding water has physically separated sections of the basin that were previously connected by a continuous pool.

Impact on Local Sites and Communities

The receding water has revealed areas of historical and personal significance to local residents. Among the structures now visible are the remains of buildings and, notably, the burial sites of Prabu Guru Aji Putih and his wife, Ratna Inten. These graves, located in Pakualam Village, Darmaraja District, were among the sites affected when the reservoir was created. The ongoing drought has made these areas accessible again, with local children seen playing near the exposed debris and remnants of the former village environment.

Seasonal Drought Drops Jatigede Water Levels

What caused the water levels at Jatigede to drop?
The primary cause is the seasonal drought, which has significantly reduced water inflow and increased evaporation across the reservoir. The Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) confirmed that these dry conditions are responsible for the substantial change in the reservoir’s inundation coverage.

Are there any risks associated with the exposed ruins? While the exposed area allows access to former village sites and historical graves, the terrain is characterized by dry, uneven ground and building debris.